Feline Rhinotracheitis

Feline rhinotracheitis is an acute upper respiratory virus. Although there are many causes of feline upper respiratory infections, rhinotracheitis is known to be the culprit of roughly 80% of all infections. The virus is very contagious and is known to produce secondary infections, such as chlamydia, feline reovirus and pneumonia. If severe enough, rhinotracheitis can cause death by pneumonia in young kittens. It can also cause the spontaneous abortion of a litter around the 6 week mark.

What Causes Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus?
Feline Rhinotracheitis is caused by the Feline Herpesvirus Type 1, also known as FHV-1. The virus grows in the nasal and tonsil tissues, making any secretions from saliva, the eyes or nasal passages extremely contagious. Feline Rhinotracheitis is spread through the air and through direct contact with an infected cat. The incubation period, from exposure to clinical signs, can be anywhere from 2 to 20 days. However, the active infection may only last from 7 to 10 days. As the virus spreads during the incubation period and the time of active infection, the owner can be completely unaware of how many other cats in their household have been affected.

Symptoms of Feline Rhinotracheitis
The symptoms of rhinotracheitis are similar to feline influenza. A cat may exhibit all of these symptoms, or only a few.

  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Nasal discharge
  • Rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal lining)
  • Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the membrane lining the eyelid)
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Common Reasons for Contraction of Feline Rhinotracheitis
    There are some cats that will be more susceptible to developing the feline rhinotracheitis virus. Although there is not a specific breed of cat that this more susceptible, there are some situations which can produce increased opportunity for contraction. Some of those environments or situations include:

  • Kittens (when the mother is infected with the virus)
  • Cats living in a multi-cat household
  • Cats who live in shelters or catteries
  • Sick cats with already weakened immune systems
  • Sick cats with already pronounced auto-immune disorders
  • Cats that have not been vaccinated
  • Treatment and Diagnosis of Feline Rhinotracheitis
    While there is no treatment or cure for the virus itself, there are oral antibiotics available to help prevent or treat a secondary bacterial infection. Because rhinotracheitis is known to produce secondary bacterial infections, antibiotics can be an important step in recovery. Decongestants can also be prescribed to aid in breathing and to help clear the nasal passages.

    Additionally, providing loving support to your animal can boost their mental state and make them feel more secure in their time of need. It is important to always make sure that your cat is eating and drinking, and that a comfortable, temperate area is provided. A vaporizer can help them to breathe more clearly by putting humidity back into the air. Keeping secretions of the nasal passages and eyes can limit the spread of infection and re-infection. Isolation of an infected cat is the best way to stop the spread of the virus.

    Because there is no clinical test that can indefinitely conclude a diagnosis of feline rhinotracheitis, it can sometimes be difficult to identify. However, a review of medical history and current symptoms can help to diagnose an infected cat.

    Because many cats are carriers of the FHV-1 virus, cleanliness and limited exposure to other cats can greatly help to reduce the possibility of contracting the virus.

    Prevention of Feline Rhinotracheitis
    The only way to attempt to prevent the contraction of rhinotracheitis is to have your cat vaccinated. There are three types of vaccinations for feline rhinotracheitis: a modified live injectable vaccine, a modified live vaccine given in the nose, and an injectable killed vaccine. Regardless of which vaccine is given, it is simply important to make sure that the vaccination is given. Although a vaccination may not entirely prevent the infection from developing, it can reduce the possibly of the infection rising to a more serious level.

     

    Feline Rhinitis

    Rhinitis

    Feline Rhinitis symptoms are easy to spot and consist of a few easily seen symptoms. The condition can be treated, so the cat feels more comfortable.

    Feline Rhinitis Symptoms
    A cat affected by rhinitis will present symptoms such as:

  • Persistent sneezing
  • Difficulties when breathing through her nose and nasal discharge (running nose)
  • Inflammation of the nose
  • Inflammation of the membrane lining the eyelid (conjunctivitis)
  • If your cat has the above mentioned symptoms, she might suffer from chronic rhinitis and you should contact your veterinarian. Although the symptoms of rhinitis might temporarily go away, if left untreated, it can cause damage to the nasal cartilage or lead to bronchitis or pneumonia. Also, a viral infection signaled by the symptoms of rhinitis might affect pregnancy.

    Causes of Rhinitis in Cats
    Viral infections are among the leading causes of chronic rhinitis in cats. As viral infections are contagious, it is recommended that you isolate the affected pet from others until your veterinarian can run blood tests and give further recommendations.

    Chronic rhinitis can also be triggered by the presence of a small object (such as a blade of grass collected from outdoors), or a developing growth in the cat’s nasal passage. The sneezing is, in this case, the body’s way of trying to eliminate the object.

    Other causes of chronic rhinitis might be a fungal infection or allergies to elements of the environment such as smoke, mold, birds or bird feces, detergents or other chemicals in the household.

    Chronic rhinitis can be found cats of any age or breed, although the causes are likely to vary depending on age. While in younger cats the causes of rhinitis are more likely to be viral, older cats will more often experience the symptoms of chronic rhinitis due to a tumor or other disease.

    Nursing and Treatment
    If your cat is experiencing the symptoms of chronic rhinitis general nursing is essential. Keep her hydrated, warm and comfortable. Gently wipe its eyes and nose with a damp piece of cotton wool and contact your veterinarian.

    In case of a viral infection your veterinarian might prescribe repeated antibiotics treatments in order to entirely eliminate the infection.

    If the rhinitis is fungus related, antifungal medication will be prescribed either to be given orally or to be surgically implanted into the sinuses. Also, in allergic rhinitis or immune deficiency cases, corticosteroids might also be administered.

    Some cats might need a rhinotomy — the surgical removal of infected tissue, polyps or tumors. You should also bear in mind that your cat is more vulnerable to chronic rhinitis if under stress or already having a weakened immune system.

    Prevention of Rhinitis
    Changing your cat’s litter frequently as well as keeping her teeth and nostrils clean will help prevent chronic rhinitis. Also, it has been noted that cigarette smoke and mold in a cat’s environment are allergens likely to trigger rhinitis. Viral infection risks with can be reduced, though not entirely eliminated, through regular vaccination.